An enriching Term One for all - mccwdbb.catholic.edu.au · ISSUE 2 | WEEK 11, TERM 1 2016. Contents...

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An enrichingTerm One for al l

ISSUE 2 | WEEK 11, TERM 1 2016

C ontentsCollEgE2 Easter blessings

A message from our College Principal, Steve Todd.

3 A wonderful Term 1 for PrimaryA message from our Assistant Primary Principal, Ann Jackson.

4 Anenrichingtermforstaff&studentsA message from our Secondary Principal, Debra Ferguson.

5 Welcome to our new Wellbeing staffSteve Todd welcomes School Counsellor, Samara Stark and Family Liaison Officer, Natalie Tunstead to MacKillop.

MISSIon5 MacKillop Opening Mass

Kerry Power explains how the Opening Mass honoured our connection with St Joseph.

7 Helping those less fortunateChrystal Price talks about our fundraising efforts so far for Project Compassion.

8 Catholic Schools Week and Open DayDebra Ferguson thanks all who attended MacKillop’s Open Day

9 Year7visitMacKillopPlace&KincumberChrystal Price discusses living with a Josephite heart.

10 Call to DiscipleshipKerry Power discusses how Yr 6 students from The Coast gathered to Worship.

10 The Way of the CrossKerry Power talks about the story of Holy Week.

11 Lent and Stations of the CrossElizabeth Kovacic describes a moving Holy Thursday liturgy in the Secondary College.

CUlTURE12 Students connect with

ShakespeareAnne Lovett shares students’ responses to Bell Shakespeare’s performances.

13 Harmony Day 2016Michelle Baxter shares a day of

cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home.

13 The Library welcomes eBooks Alyssa Rose discusses access to eBooks.

14 2015 HSC Art students ‘Expose’Jillian Young recognises two wonderful art students.

15 Artists of ExcellenceJillian Young showcases the students wonderful artwork.

16 Primary sporting successKellie Denneman reviews our latest sports.

18 SecondaryAthletics&CrossCountryDuncan Black reviews our sports for this term.

WEllbEIng20 Rotary Youth Driver Awareness

Lia Camilleri and RYDA seek to educate all potential drivers.

20 Year7&Kinderinformationnight Ann Jackson & Nichole Calleja welcome all prospective parents & students.

ISSUE 2 | WEEK 11, TERM 1 2016 CollegeMatters | 1

IT IS WITH the blessing of the Easter Vigil fire that we celebrate our College motto of ‘Christ Our Light’ this Easter Season. I hope and pray that there is great warmth in all our hearts this Easter as we connect appropriately to the Easter message of the Resurrection of Christ. As the word Easter means ‘Dawning’ I hope each one of us can awake to knowing that each day is a blessing and that we carry that blessing across our day. Best wishes to all our MacKillop families for this Easter.

Pope Francis reminds us that we need to be ‘happily tired’ when we review our day and all the challenges we encounter. With that view in mind, I know in the hectic pace of College life this term that there are many ‘happily tired’ people. Can I offer my appreciation to one and all for how this Term One has unfolded as we draw near to a well-earned break.

I would like to especially acknowledge the tremendous spirit and support around two prominent College events that took place in the second half of the term – our Catholic Schools Week Open Day and our Opening Mass held on the Feast of St. Joseph.

Our Open Day held on Wednesday afternoon 9th March was a very successful event with a great buzz about all parts of the College. Many hundreds of people attended the day and to see all areas across the College open to visitors with terrific displays and exhibits was a great testament to the dedication of all our students and staff. Our student leaders acted as tour guides on the day and the feedback from many visitors was that our students were most impressive and helpful in their knowledge with tours of the College. It was tremendous to see parents and students moving about the displays, stopping to chat with others, enjoying the performances and entertainment of the MacKillop students along with the nourishment of the café and the free barbecue. My thanks to

all who attended and supported this event.

The other significant event was the celebration of our Opening College Mass for the year that was held on Friday 18th March (Feast of St. Joseph). The College held this event especially on this day to align with the Sisters of St. Joseph sesquicentenary (150th Anniversary) celebrating the founding of Sisters at Penola by Mary MacKillop and Fr Julian Tenison Woods on 19th March 1866. The feeling across the College at our Opening Mass was one of tremendous pride in having such a wonderful connection with the Sisters of St. Joseph. Sr Marea along with her colleague sisters attended the Mass and their involvement made this day just that little more special for all of us.

It was also wonderful to launch officially our new College logo with a new banner and candle that was blessed by Fr Vince at our Opening Mass. The new banner now stands proudly next to our founding banner in the College Hall. Every student received a gift bag on the day that includes a new lapel badge for students to wear on their College uniform. A big thank you to Fr Vince and the RE and Music Ministry teams for making the day such a special memory. A special word of thanks to Dennis Gasparotto one of our TAS teachers for making a giant jigsaw of the new College logo that came together during the liturgical movement after Communion. All in all, a wonderful memory of a very special Josephite day.

Finally, we acknowledge the journey of our Yr 12 students who have sat their mid-year exams over the last week of the term. The halfway point of the HSC Year has come around very quickly for Yr 12 and we continue our support and prayers for their progress through the HSC Year.

Easter blessingsA message from our College Principal, Steve Todd.


maCkillop Catholic College WARnERVAlE CollEgE

AS WE COnCLuDE Term 1 in what feels like record time, there is much for which to be grateful as we look back across all that has been achieved.

The start of our school year was marked by several liturgical occasions. Many of our staff attended the Diocesan Schools Mass at the cathedral in Waitara and so joined with all the other schools in the diocese in acknowledging the beginning of a new school year and the promise of much new learning as we journey through 2016. It was a wonderful time to rekindle old friendships and make new acquaintances with our colleagues across the diocese. We then celebrated all those new to our community at our annual Kindergarten, Year 7 and New Families Welcome Mass. It was a joy to see new life abound with yet another group of families welcomed into the MacKillop fold. Each Kindergarten student was presented with a fluffy white MacKillop bear and each Year 7 with a MacKillop key ring (perfect to hold that locker key!) as mementos of their beginning times within our community of faith and of learning. Our students who began their sacramental journey with Reconciliation earlier in the term celebrated the sacrament just before Holy Week and now look forward to receiving Christ in First Holy Communion later in the year. We celebrated too, our Opening School Mass with all students from Kindergarten to Year 12 marking both the start of the new year and special acknowledgment of the Sesquicentenary, 150 years since the foundation of the Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. We welcomed Sr Marea Ross and several of her sisters in faith and also Barry Evans, husband of Kathleen Evans who credits her cure of cancer as miraculous due to the intercession of Mary MacKillop. Holy Week was marked by remembrance liturgies depicting the final week of Jesus’ life here on earth and were led by our students with reverence and respect.

The quest for understanding continues apace with our focus on Mathematics driving the learning culture. Several

grades have experienced the mentoring of our Mathematics Specialists through collaborative planning, programming and teaching and this will continue across other grades into Term 2. Literacy continues to be driven by our Literacy Specialists with an especial focus on writing which continues on from what commenced last year. History and Geography, as new syllabus documents are probed and grappled, are being taught with new vigour and provide a renewed focus for teaching and learning this year.

Wellbeing, of both staff and students, continues to be high on the agenda as it is in developing the whole child socially, emotionally and academically that is our concern here at MacKillop Catholic College. As the year progresses we will be exploring and seeking understanding on our common goal to support our children in developing a stronger sense of wellbeing and to be more resilient, confident and successful.

Our Primary Athletics Carnival was held at Mingara for the first time and it appeared to be a much better venue for this event, being less vulnerable to the elements than Warnervale Oval. It was great to see the participation of students and the good sportsmanship exhibited by them. The success of the day was in no small part due to the hard work, thorough planning and excellent organisational skills of Mrs Denneman and it is to her that much thanks is owed for a wonderful community day.

Mrs Natalie Tunstead, our new Family Liaison Officer, has settled into our community seamlessly and is working with our parent community to create enriching, positive partnerships between our school and the parent community. She has been made to feel very welcome by all – thank you!

As our first term draws to a close, our prayer is that the holiday break shall refresh and rejuvenate students, parents and teachers, and especially our Kindergarten children who have completed their first term at ‘big school’, so that Term 2 can be embraced with renewed vigour and enthusiasm and much excitement for learning!

A wonderful Term 1 for PrimaryA message from our Assistant Primary Principal, Ann Jackson.


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An enriching term for staff & studentsA message from our Secondary Principal, Debra Ferguson.

AS ALWAYS, TERM 1 has been exceedingly busy. We have so many activities to reflect upon and so many people to thank for an eventful 11 weeks.

Firstly, we have seen 3 major carnivals with the MCC Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country being held this term. A huge thank you to Mr Black who is our Representative Sports Coordinator and who is responsible for these events but also to all our staff who work so hard on these days. I would also like to thank our parents who support these days either by coming along to the venues or by just ensuring their children are at school for these community days. However, the biggest group I wish to thank are our ever-impressive students who are just fantastic on these days and make it a real pleasure to share the day with them.

We have also had our beautiful Opening Mass which celebrated the 150th anniversary of the opening of the first school by Mary MacKillop in Penola as well as launching our new college identity. Our students once again responded beautifully and reverently for this Mass where 1500 students as well as parents and parishioners celebrated together. I acknowledge all the hard work and preparation of our REC, Mrs Chrystal Price for this day as well as our music and dance teachers.

In between these big events we have started the academic year very well. Our Year 7-10 students have been using their iPads to assist with their learning and it has been wonderful to watch, not just the students but also the Staff learning this new technology together to improve engagement and skills. Miss Erin Sullivan and Miss Kathy Acido have worked tirelessly to assist staff, teachers and parents to ensure that this program is working well. Our thanks goes out to all our families for your patience with any of the small glitches that occurred while we were introducing this new venture.

This term we commenced a new program on a Tuesday

afternoon. All the research indicates that for any professional to develop their skills that Professional Learning (PL) is required. Education is always moving at a fast pace and the teachers at MacKillop work tirelessly to be current in their learning and development but time is always an issue. This year we have been able to creatively find an hour each week for all staff to work in their faculty area and across faculties to engage in PL. This term the staff has been examining the data available on their HSC results to ask valuable questions about how to best teach Stage 6 at MCC. They have also been looking at how to teach the skills to students to create excellent complex sentences in Stage 4 and also increasing their iPad skills. This time also allows the faculties to create and review their assessment tasks and teaching programs. The teachers are finding this time extremely valuable.

During this time the Seniors may go home early to study or to attend TAFE. The Year 7-10 have been meeting in this time to look at Digital Citizenship. They have learnt about what this actually means, the legalities around joining certain social media sites, geotagging, cyber safety and the law presented by the Police Liaison Officer and moral decision making. These afternoons have been a little challenging for the students after already having had 5 periods during the day but the subject matter is vitally important. Each term we will be selecting a different topic to study and we hope all this continues to make our students think about what is necessary to be a good citizen and to learn about a range of opinions and ideas.

Finally, just a reminder to check our webpage and Edumate at least once a week as there is a great deal of information available on both sites.

I hope that you all had a wonderful Easter and that this term has been enriching for your children. The Interim reports will come out at the end of this term and if you have any concerns please contact the College.


maCkillop Catholic College WARnERVAlE CollEgE

FRIDAY OF WEEK 9 was a little late to have our Opening School Mass. However, it was no accident that it occurred well into Term 1. 2016 is the sesquicentennial celebration of the Sisters of St. Joseph and we were committed to celebrating this important milestone in the life of Mary MacKillop, Our Patron Saint.

On St, Joseph’s Day 1866 Mary MacKillop, with the direction and encouragement of Father Julian Tenison Woods, began to live her life as a Religious sister under the patronage of St. Joseph. St. Joseph, the husband of Mary, the Mother of Jesus was a gentle and caring man who was attentive to the needs of Mary and the child Jesus. He is remembered as the calm and constant masculine figure in Jesus’ life. His own life is largely unknown but what we learn from St. Joseph is the need to support and preserve the dignity of all people, especially women.

It was marvellous to have four local Sisters join Sister Marea for a special procession in the Mass and later for Morning Tea. It was also an opportunity to launch our new visual identity, which includes the Josephite symbol at its centre. Father Vince presided over the Mass and said a special blessing over the new College Banner and Candle. So many diverse talents within our College came together to create an amazing liturgical celebration that symbolised the true spirit of the MacKillop Community.

MacKillop opening MassKerry Power explains how the Opening Mass honoured our connection with St Joseph.

Welcome to our new Wellbeing staffSteve Todd welcomes School Counsellor, Samara Stark and Family Liaison Officer, Natalie Tunstead to MacKillop.

AS THE TERM concludes, we welcome to MacKillop two new appointments to the College. A very warm welcome to our new School Counsellor, Samara Stark and to our new Family Liaison Officer, Natalie Tunstead. Both ladies are a great acquisition to the College and we look forward to connecting to their very important roles at the College.

Samara has a wealth of experience having worked with the ASPECT unit in the past in our local area and for also having her own Psychology practice. We are a very lucky school community to have the services of such a knowledgeable and well-regarded professional who will now take up the role of School Counsellor at MacKillop. The students will have the opportunity to meet Samara at one of our assemblies and of course, her role is of vital importance to the ongoing wellbeing of our students.

Natalie Tunstead our FLO, is pioneering a new role for us at MacKillop and this role has many possibilities for ensuring good links with our parent community. Natalie has a strong background in family support services and her role is essential for ensuring that parents are informed and connected with all that is happening across the College. Parents will hear from Natalie via email, Facebook and at a number of College events. The new Class parent network and our P&F will form under Natalie’s leadership a new Parent Engagement Team (PET).

We offer our welcome and support to both Samara and Natalie for their new roles at MacKillop.


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MISSIon


MISSIONMACKILLOP Catholic College WARNERVALE

PROJECT COMPASSIOn IS Caritas Australia’s annual fundraising and awareness-raising appeal, bringing thousands of Australians together in solidarity with the world’s poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.

During this past Lenten season both staff and especially the students of the College have demonstrated extraordinary, ongoing demonstration of the faith, love and generosity to help those less fortunate around the world.

The theme for Project Compassion 2016 was “Learning more, creating change”. It is evident from all the various initiatives such as; the selling of cans of drink, to making lolly bags, selling cakes, coin collections and guessing competitions that students have definitely donated their time and money to a worthy cause. These fundraising efforts can now allow those

living in absolute poverty more opportunities to learn more, so they create change in their lives.

Last week was also Harmony Day. Both staff and students in their efforts to promote diversity and the need for harmony amongst all nations, raised quite a substantial amount of funds for Project Compassion. A huge thank you to all the students and staff involved in the sausage sizzle and the selling of coke spiders on this day.

As we celebrate this special Easter season we are reminded of Christ’s unconditional love for us especially for those who are marginalized. May we too feel blessed by the efforts of the members of this great community in working together in solidarity for the world’s poor, but continue these efforts year round.

Helping those less fortunateChrystal Price talks about our fundraising efforts so far for Project Compassion.



CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK (CSW) 2016 was held from the 6-12 March and involved the communities of all 615 Catholic primary and secondary schools across NSW and the ACT.

First and foremost, Catholic Schools Week is about celebration. The main aim of CSW is to raise awareness and celebrate the strength and distinctiveness of Catholic schools. CSW provides an opportunity for Catholic schools to showcase what happens every day in our schools and invites the community in to experience teaching and learning at its best. It is also about strengthening relationships between all those that have a stake in our schools – students, staff, families, priests, parishioners, and members of the wider community.

At MacKillop we celebrated CSW by holding our fourth annual Open Day on Wednesday, 9 March from 4-7pm. The College, K-12, was open to our parents, parish and the local community.

We were blessed with beautiful weather and our College came alive with wonderful displays, performances, experiments and presentations. Our Staff and students worked hard to make the school look its very best for the day and we thank all the families who made the time to come and look at their children’s school and the work done here. During this time our College ‘Dreaming Café’ was open where light snacks and beverages could be purchased.

In the Aitken Hall there were Staff members covering areas such as;

• Enrolment information

• Transition for Year 6 students to secondary school

• Pastoral Care & Belonging & the MacKillop House Teams

• iPad information

• Indigenous education

• School Fees and text book information

• Uniform information and display

Between 4:30 and 6:30pm the Hospitality students barbecued and gave away many sausage and veggie patty sandwiches and some talented students performed in the College McCormack Theatre and in the music rooms as well as outside the Café.

We are blessed at this school with such a wonderful staff; from our Office ladies to our groundsmen and all our teaching staff and assistants. To give up an afternoon for their school is a fantastic effort and so appreciated by us all. We also thank all the students who were present from Parliament and Peer Support to students who performed and to the many students who assisted with the classroom presentations.

We received lovely e-mails and letters from parents who attended and we hope that all our MacKillop children and parents let their friends and relatives know that there are places available here next year and encourage them to pick up their enrolment packs asap.

Enrolment started on 16 March and closes on 29 May 2016 for Yr 7, 2017.

For Kindergarten 2017 enrolment starts on 2 May and closes on 29 May 2016.

Catholic Schools Week and open DayDebra Ferguson thanks to all who attended MacKillop’s Open Day


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YEAR 7 STuDEnTS were happily tired by last Tuesday afternoon after their visit to MacKillop Place North Sydney and experiencing their first Spirituality Day at the Sisters of St Joseph Spirituality Centre Kincumber.

MacKillop Place is a special place for the Sisters of Saint Joseph as well as our College community. Students embarked on a guided tour of the historical site and museum from the HSIE teachers and were able to visit Alma Cottage. The tour finished with students visiting the tomb of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop. This was a special opportunity for the students to pray together for their own intentions and the needs of our community.

Year 7 were also fortunate to participate in a workshop on the life of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and the work of the Sisters of St Joseph. Sr Marea Ross and Sister Connie presented an engaging and informative session about the life of Australia’s first Saint and the students learnt how to apply the charism of Mary MacKillop to their own lives today.

At the Spirituality Day at Kincumber the students visited the

museum, the chapel as well as, the cemetery on site next to the historic Holy Cross Church. Mr Young and the volunteers of the centre allowed the students to be immersed in the stories about the boys who attended the centre when it was an orphanage and Mary MacKillop’s input to the site.

The later part of the day was facilitated by the Youth Ministry Leader; Miss Elizabeth Kovacic. This engaging workshop allowed the students to reflect on what it means to be a MacKillop student. Fr Vince Casey then finished off the day with an engaging Q&A session with the students at the Church. Fr Vince effectively explained to the students the symbolism used in the celebration of the Eucharist as well as answered any questions the students had to ask about their faith and the Catholic Church.

Thank you to all the students and staff that attended these events and a special thank you to those who facilitated any of the workshops. This was a great opportunity for the students to see the importance of our patron Saint and how they can live out their daily lives with a Josephite heart.

Year 7 visit MacKillop Place & KincumberChrystal Price discusses living with a Josephite heart.



HOLY WEEK IS the high point of the Liturgical Calendar. It began on Sunday with the Year 1 Parish Mass. The children told the story of Palm Sunday and enthusiastically waved palm branches to welcome Jesus into Jerusalem. They reprised their retelling of the story for the first liturgy of Holy Week on Monday afternoon. Tuesday continued the story, as Years 3 & 4 re-enacted the Last Supper. Year 3 reflected on our call to serve others, with the washing of the disciple’s feet and Year 4 brought Jesus and the disciples together around the altar to celebrate The Last Supper. Holy Week concluded on Thursday with Year 5 recounting the final moments of Jesus’ life in The Stations of the Cross. Following the Easter Break Kindergarten, Year 2 and Year 6 joined together to celebrate The Resurrection on Tuesday.

It is so important to open these stories for our children. The story of the crucifixion- though sad and at times brutal- is a vital part of our understanding as Christians and the message of Jesus’ sacrifice for our salvation integral to our lives as Catholics.

The Way of the CrossKerry Power talks about the story of Holy Week.

THuRSDAY MARCH 17 was the feast day of St. Patrick and it was also an opportunity for all the Year 6 students on the Central Coast to gather as leaders of our Primary schools. The annual Central Coast Cluster Mass for Year 6 was held at Holy Spirit Church, Kincumber, a beautiful backdrop, surrounded by both the mountains and the coast. The theme for Mass was Discipleship and the Readings focussed on the Apostles and their mission to spread the Good News and build the Early Church. The familiar image of ‘Christ Our Light’ as our guide and compass permeated the liturgy.

Each year the different schools take turns in various ministries and for MacKillop, 2016 was Liturgical Movement. All 90 of our Year 6 students presented a beautiful movement to the official song for World Youth Day 2016 ‘Blessed are the Merciful’ an appropriate song for mass in this Year of Mercy. Following Mass and Morning Tea students had the opportunity to catch up or make new friends with peers from other schools as they discussed their role as leaders in their own communities.

Call to DiscipleshipKerry Power discusses how Yr 6 students from The Coast gathered to Worship.



LEnT IS A busy, but beautiful, time of the year for us here at MacKillop College and parish. Throughout the term, students from Years 10 through 12 have been drawing closer to Christ through activities such as attending Praisefest and Palm Sunday celebrations with Bishop Peter Comensoli. Our Year 10 Late Nights/Liturgy band have been working hard on their repertoire for our College praise and worship night next term and the World Youth Day team have begun formation through attending the Sunday evening Youth Mass and various fundraising activities.

The highlight of the term’s Youth Ministry endeavours, though, has to be the Senior Youth Ministry Team’s presentation of The Stations of the Cross. Despite looming assessments and busy work and sporting schedules, the team of around 15 senior students came together to profoundly depict the final days of Jesus’ life. These students gave of the

little free time they have and worked tirelessly on this dramatic representation. We were equally graced by Mrs. Fiona Milkins’ Year 12 Music class singing between the Stations and Danikka Vassallo, of Year 8, then completing the liturgy with her stirring rendition of Forever by Kari Jobe.

The team’s prayerful commitment to this project made for a moving Holy Thursday liturgy in the Secondary College. I wish to commend the entire student body also as they all watched and engaged so respectfully, you could have heard a pin drop. Danikka and the Youth Ministry Team returned to the church on Good Friday to do the whole presentation again for Parishioners and locals. We are blessed to have such a supportive Parish and College of students and staff here at MacKillop. There is a lot happening in Youth Ministry and these are very exciting times!

lent and Stations of the CrossElizabeth Kovacic describes a moving Holy Thursday liturgy in the Secondary College.



On THE 29TH of February, Years Eight, Nine and Ten had the wonderful opportunity to watch entertaining performances by the Bell Shakespeare players. Their acts were based on William Shakespeare’s plays, Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet. Students have the opportunity to study a range of the Bard’s plays throughout each stage of their engagement with English at the College.

Ebony Godwin in Year 10 is a fan: “I loved the Bell Shakespeare performance and look forward to their visit each year when I am intrigued by the way that they make the plays so much fun to watch and easier to understand. Stopping to explain the events as they took place and connecting us to Shakespeare and his words, the actors helped me to understand his plays more easily. This assists me when I study the plays in class. The performers showed a lot of passion in their performances and this helped to make the play real and bring it to life.”

Samantha Amino in Year 9 also enjoyed being a part of the audience: “We didn’t know what to expect from the Bell Shakespeare players, wondering if the act was going to be interesting and how they would stage it. The four actors definitely surprised and impressed their audience in many ways. They made the plot much easier to understand because they changed it into a modern style but kept the classical feel.

The players achieved this through contemporary narration, using every day speech, which helped explain Shakespeare’s words. The audience was captivated by the interesting and funny story. The actors included hilarious moments whilst creating a really believable performance.

The whole concept and style of the performance was interesting and creative. The players were very clever with the use of props and costumes to help transition themselves between playing different characters, settings and plotlines. Even though their set was simple, it worked brilliantly with their performance. The actors were always in and out of various characters and always moving around the stage, which helped to keep our attention; something not always easy for teachers to do!

Bell Shakespeare’s performance definitely helped all of us understand the play better. Acting the main scenes and shortening the dialogue helped to get straight to the point of the themes within the plot. The experience was great because it has helped me understand further what to focus and write about for assessments on this play.”

We look forward to the players’ return next year and the opportunity for more students to see Shakespeare’s words and works come to life.

Students connect with ShakespeareAnne Lovett shares students’ responses to Bell Shakespeare’s performances.


MACKILLOP Catholic College WARNERVALE CUlTURE

The library welcomes ebooksAlyssa Rose discusses access to eBooks.

MACKILLOP CATHOLIC COLLEgE Library welcomes eBooks from Wheelers ePlatform. Secondary students can now borrow eBooks that can be read on most computers, tablets and smartphones. With access to over 350 titles, there is something to suit everyone. Visit mccw.wheelers.co or download the free app ‘ePlatform’ and sign in with your CEnet details. If you need any assistance, the Library staff will be happy to help. Latest titles include: Paper Towns, The Messenger, If I Stay, Gone and Pretty Little Liars.

HARMOnY DAY IS held every year on 21 March to coincide with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The message of Harmony Day is everyone belongs. It’s a day to celebrate Australia’s diversity – a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home.

On Wednesday 23rd March, the Secondary College at MacKillop celebrated Harmony Day with a sausage sizzle. The sausage sizzle was called ‘Sausages from around the World.’ House leaders sold orange ribbons in an aim to raise awareness and as a reminder that we all ‘belong.’

A number of Pastoral classes were also involved with this event; there were spider drinks and cans for sale, as well as music playing. It was a real community event for all to enjoy and overall a huge success. The sausage sizzle alone rose over $320 for Project Compassion.

A big thank you to everyone involved and for all those who helped to make our Harmony Day a success.

Harmony Day 2016Michelle Baxter shares a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home.



‘ExPOSE’ IS An exhibition on the Central Coast showcasing the outstanding talents of student work from the 2015 HSC group. Two Visual Arts students from MacKillop Catholic College, Madison Relf and Ashley Farrugia, were selected to be a part the first ‘Expose’ exhibition held at the Art Studio Gallery, North Gosford. The exhibition aims to display the work of local

students who deserve recognition for their outstanding Visual Arts HSC works and gain exposure as emerging young artists. From the high standard of work represented by students from schools on the Central Coast, we were very proud of our students and as a school we hope to be a part of this exhibition each year.

2015 HSC Art students ‘Expose’Jillian Young recognises two wonderful art students.



BELOW ARE COLLECTIOnS of artworks made by Year 11 Visual Arts students who have been studying the Australian landscape.

Artists of ExcellenceJillian Young showcases the students wonderful artwork.



THE AnnuAL PRIMARY Cross Country was another great success at Hamlyn Terrace Sporting Fields in Week 6 this term with many personal best performances by our children.

The perpetual trophy was won clearly by the Alma team in 2016

1. ALMA 118 points

2. TEMUKA 98 points

3. KINCUMBER 92 points

4. GESU 85 points

5. FITZROY 84 points

6. PENOLA 78 points

Congratulations to the following students who won the event in their age category.

GIRLS BOYS

7/8 YRS Phoebe Meers Enda Connolly

9 YRS Jasmine Fisher Finn Sadler

10 YRS Keely Swaysland Isaac Zappala

11 YRS Sienna Deeley Brandon Whitmore

12/13 YRS Kaitlyn Norris William Enraght-Mooney

Congratulations to the top 10 runners in each age group who will now represent MacKillop at the CCC Cross Country at Mt Penang Gardens Kariong on Wed 4 May (Week 2, Term 2)

Special mention to Evan Enraght-Moony, Sam Sulkowski & Michael Vrljic who placed in the top 10 as 7 year olds in the 7/8 Year Boys event. Unfortunately they will need to wait until they turn 8 next year to represent the school at CCC.

bRoKEn bAY SWIMMIng – MIngARACongratulations to Ella McKay who proudly represented

MacKillop in the 12 Yr Girls Athletes With Disabilities (AWD) Freestyle & Backstroke at Mingara on Tues 8th March. Ella placed first in both her races and will now compete at Homebush on 31 March in the NSWCPS Swimming Trials.

SPoRTIng SCHoolS PRogRAMYear 3 & 4 students have completed a 4 week Sporting

Schools Program this term on Wednesday afternoons. Students in Kincumber & Penola were in the school hall for Volleyball, Temuka & Alma on the school oval for Hockey whilst Gesu & Fitzroy travelled to Lake Haven YMCA for Indoor Soccer. The children are to be congratulated on their enthusiasm and energy to learn lots of new skills in the warm conditions. We thank our community coaches in Pho, Hockey NSW and the Mariners for sharing their expertise with our students & our teachers for their involvement. Next term Year 5 & 6 will participate in the Sporting Schools program in the Sports of Basketball, AFL & Golf.

bRoKEn bAY WInTER SPoRT TRIAlSWe had just over 20 Primary Students attend Broken Bay

Winter Sport Trials in weeks 8 & 9 of this term seeking to gain selection in a variety of team sports within the Diocesan Pathway.

Congratulations to Montana-Rose Currey (Yr 6) who was selected in the Girls Soccer Team & Lachlan Bishop (Yr 6) who was selected in the Boys Open League Team. Both students will head to Bathurst in Week 1 next term for Polding Trials in these 2 sports. Congratulations and good luck.

Primary sporting successKellie Denneman reviews our latest sports.


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ATHlETICS CARnIVAlOn THuRSDAY 3RD March the Secondary College held their Athletics carnival. 900 students and staff were transported to Mingara Athletics Centre by bus. Although the weather was very warm, the students were dressed in their house colours with high spirits, which led to a great day.

The first race started at 9.15am with the 1500m run. All students proceeded to their chosen events throughout the day with all students giving their best in each event.

I would like thank those students that participated and cheered their fellow class mates on and to all the staff that attended their event stations for the day in the heat. Thank you to the Hospitality Department for providing great food and refreshments to the staff.

Champion House was Temuka

Age Champions

Under 12 Girls – Aimee Greenfield

Boys – Ethan Jeffrey

Under 13 Girls – Paris Croke

Boys – Ashley Wilson

Under 14 Girls – Carissa Harrison

Boys – Ben Martin

Under 15 Girls – Georgia Ray

Boys – Nathan Ward

Under 16 Girls – Kaelah McNamara

Boys – Alex Coutts

17 plus Girls – Kaitlyn Jones

Boys – Lachlan Walker

CRoSS CoUnTRYOn Friday 11th March the Secondary College held the annual

cross country at Soldiers Beach. With students from Year 7 – 12 competing, the tide had just started to go out and the soft sand of Soldiers proved to be gruelling this year.

All age groups were well represented and participated to the best of their ability. The top 10 students qualified for the BBSSSA Cross Country which will be held Week 5 of Term 2 at St Ives Showground. Permission notes will be handed to students early next term.

Champion House – Temuka

Age Champions

Under 12 Girls – Charnie Lewis

Boys – Roy Smith

Under 13 Girls – Mia Middleton

Boys – Ashley Wilson

Under 14 Girls – Shaye Slattery

Boys – Brock Ray

Under 15 Girls – Lucy Pratt

Boys – Jamison Costa

Under 16 Girls – Kaelah Kroemer

Boys – James Huggins

17 plus Boys – Brendan Walker

Secondary Athletics & Cross CountryDuncan Black reviews our sports for this term.



THE 2017 EnROLMEnT process is already in full swing with the Kindergarten and Year 7 Information Night being held on March 15th. There was a positive and exciting feel in the air as the prospect of a new beginning and journey into both Primary and Secondary schooling was about to start.

The evening began with prospective Kindergarten and Year 7 2017 parents meeting together in the church where they were welcomed to our Catholic College community. Information concerning what it means to be a member and a student of the MacKillop Catholic Community was shared with parents and they were given an insight into our Strategic Plan, SIP goals, and College Motto. During this time, the parents met our new Family Liaison Officer, Mrs Natalie Tunstead, and were given some insight into the Enrolment Process.

After this initial introduction, the groups of Kindergarten and Year 7 parents were then split so that more specific

information could be relayed. There was a healthy representation of parents from both these groups showing interest for 2017. The Secondary group was provided with an understanding into the Year 7 Transition and Orientation Program, the experiences of belonging to a Catholic Secondary School, the MacKillop Learning Community, iPads & eLearning at MacKillop , Peer Support and the Enrolment procedures for 2017. Likewise, the Kindergarten group were exposed to what it means to be part of such a large community of learners and the requirements for enrolment. The evening concluded with the parents of both groups given the opportunity to meet with members of the College Executive team and the Transition Coordinator and to obtain their enrolment packages prior to leaving. The event was hailed as a great success and bodes well for 2017.

Year 7 & Kinder information nightAnnJackson&NicholeCallejawelcome all prospective parents & students.

In MID MARCH, Year 11 students visited Wyong Racecourse for a series of workshops designed to make them better and safer drivers. The RYDA program has been running for many years now. Originally initiated by Rotary Australia, it seeks to educate all senior students, and therefore all potential drivers.

Students were broken into small groups that rotated through the different sessions that covered such things as safe stopping distances, road hazards, and the tragic consequences of poor decisions on the road. Years of accumulated experience was offered by the presenters who hailed from various bodies, including the NRMA and NSW Police. The accompanying MacKillop staff were overwhelmed by the number of compliments given by the various presenters and organisers on the behaviour and participation level of MCC students.

Rotary Youth Driver AwarenessLia Camilleri and RYDA seek to educate all potential drivers.


MACKILLOP Catholic College WARNERVALE WEllbEIng

An enriching Term One for all - mccwdbb.catholic.edu.au · ISSUE 2 | WEEK 11, TERM 1 2016. Contents...

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